Turtle walks set for June, July

As turtle nesting season hits its peak in June and July, the Museum of Discovery and Science in Fort Lauderdale is offering residents a chance to see sea turtles laying their eggs on the beach.

From March through October, leatherback, loggerhead and green turtles come ashore to lay eggs on local beaches, and residents can join turtle walks to witness this unique circle of life.

“Here is a species that has been doing this for millions of years, and they're still doing it in spite of us,” said Jim Ressegieu, the museum’s collections manager. “We want people to appreciate that it's their beach as much as it’s ours.”

South Florida beaches are home to nearly 2,000 turtle nests and 150,000 hatchlings annually. Environmental advocates have worked to raise awareness about the impact of lighting near the beach, hoping to improve the hatchlings’ chances of survival.

Coastal cities in South Florida have been stepping up efforts to limit the artificial light coming from street lamps and other sources. The hatchlings instinctively follow the moon to the ocean, and artificial lighting can interfere with their sense of direction.

The museum’s walks take place from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. throughout June and July. The cost is $18 for members, $20 for nonmembers. For more information, call 954-713-0930.

Additional turtle walks are taking place at John U. Lloyd Beach State Park in Dania Beach. The park offers its Sea Turtle Awareness program in June and July, with the cost of the program included in the price of admission and parking. For more information, call 954-923-2833.